Air Fryer Protein Bagels

This protein bagel recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a high-protein breakfast or snack with minimal ingredients. The combination of cottage cheese, flour, and baking powder gives these bagels a light and fluffy texture, while also packing in 10 grams of protein per bagel.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• Pinch of salt (optional)
• 1 cup + 2 tablespoons cottage cheese (2% or 4%)
• 1 egg (optional, for egg wash)
• Toppings: everything seasoning, poppy seeds, sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions:

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt (if using).
2. Add Cottage Cheese: Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and add the cottage cheese. Mix using a fork or small spatula until the dough starts to come together.
3. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 1-2 minutes until smooth. If sticky, add more flour.
4. Shape the Bagels: Divide the dough into four equal portions. Roll each into a 6-7 inch log, and then connect the ends to form a bagel shape.
5. Add the Egg Wash: Whisk the egg with a splash of water or milk. Brush the egg wash on the bagels, then sprinkle with desired toppings.
6. Cook the Bagels: Preheat the air fryer to 300°F. Line the basket with parchment paper or spray with cooking spray. Place the bagels inside and cook for 15-17 minutes until golden and puffed up. Check at 10 minutes to adjust cooking time if needed.
7. Cool and Serve: Let the bagels cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Variations:

• Toppings: Customize with everything seasoning, poppy seeds, or shredded asiago cheese.
• Low-Carb: Swap regular flour with almond flour for a lower-carb version.
• Dairy-Free: You could experiment with dairy-free cottage cheese, though this hasn’t been tested.

Tips:

• If you’re using a smaller air fryer, cook in batches.
• Let the bagels cool for 15 minutes after cooking, as they’ll continue to cook and set.

These protein-packed bagels are perfect for breakfast sandwiches, snacks, or even bagel pizzas. Enjoy!